About Jennifer Avventura

Canadian Freelance writer living in Sardinia, Italy. A serial immigrant who has lived in Australia, England, Cayman Islands and Jamaica. When she's not out running 6k you will find her sitting at the computer - writing her novel and searching for worldwide work.

Top 14 Sporting Adventures that Defy Gravity at Sardinia, Italy

Posted on March 25 by Jennifer Avventura

Sardinia, Italy is an enchanting island and sanctuary for adventure and nature explorers and it’s the ideal place to test boundaries and defy gravity in a multitude of exciting ways. The island is blessed with a 1800km jagged coastline, pristine white sandy beaches and a commanding rugged interior that begs the visitor to climb, play, trek and push limits. There are diverse gravity defying adventures that will suit any type of thrill seeker from sunset paragliding in spiritual and ancient places, to free diving at one of Sardinia’s most magical and controversial islands. For those that want to slowly reconnect with nature and find balance within the movement, there’s a variety of diverse yoga activities to rejuvenate awareness, physique, and consciousness. Come and play with gravity to discover a hidden Sardinia witnessed by few. Continue reading →

Hunting Wild Asparagus at Sardinia, Italy

Posted on March 8 by Jennifer Avventura

During my recent stay back in Canada, I found myself reminiscing about the long walks, deep within the folds of Sardinia’s glorious green mountains where I learned to hunt wild asparagus. It’s a prickly, skinny, long and utterly wild plant, and more often than not I was left with razor-sharp cuts on my arms and hands. There was even this time I fell into the base of the asparagus plant, and well, that didn’t go to good. Cuts, scrapes, and blood up and down both legs, on the palm of my hands and even my right elbow, got into the fight, but that didn’t stop me from my yearning to sample the earth’s wild delights. Continue reading →

Snapshots: Reflections of Summer in Sardinia

Posted on February 17 by Jennifer Avventura

It seems that winter has eluded us, at least for the last four days it has, where we’ve had temperatures upwards of 19 degrees Celsius and we’re still in the month of February. After a harsh, wet, gray and snowy winter it is invigorating to see the bright blue skies and the warm, luminous sun that casts its brilliant rays on my pale Canadian skin. These are my reflections of summer in Sardinia and it’s times like these that I dream of Continue reading →

Snapshots: The Bell Tower at Castelsardo, Sardinia

Posted on February 10 by Jennifer Avventura

The bell tower at Castelsardo in Sardinia’s northwest is one of the most photographed monuments from this pre-Nuragic, quaint town by the sea. From every angle, far and wide, the cathedral’s bell tower looms in the background of every photo.

Grand and spectacular from every point; the bell tower at Castelsardo should be on everyone’s “to see” list. There’s a lot to do and see in my favourite Sardinian town, from ancient castles to cathedrals, sea-side sights and some of the best restaurants around where Cannonau is poured freely and the seadas comes just right.

Will you put Castelsardo on your bucket list?

Inside Sardinia: A Traditional Cooking Method

Posted on January 31 by Jennifer Avventura

The first time I saw this method of cooking was some years ago in a small town, in the folds of a mountain in Sardinia, Italy. A friend who lives a few mountains over had invited me for lunch, and when I arrived the first thing I noticed was the ancient red brick fireplace and clock. It had just snowed in Sardinia and it was cold, so I a found a spot right beside the fireplace to warm up. Upon closer inspection of the red-hot flames I saw slices of pancetta and pork chops sizzling away above the hot embers. The aroma, better than a barbecue and the taste impeccable. I’d never tasted meat so fresh and exquisite.

Roasting meat in the middle of a living-room was a first for me, and I can’t wait to delve into this tradition yet again.

What is the strangest place you’ve seen meat being cooked?

Cats of Sardinia: Ciao Bello

Posted on January 23 by Jennifer Avventura

Meet, Ciao Bello.

He befriended me this past summer with his lazy gaze and soft meows for attention. I’d pass him every morning on my way to get our daily bread. He’d walk a few steps toward me then sink his head low, stretch his left paw out in respectful greeting and slight flirtation. I look forward to my daily walks, even to just get a glimpse of him. He stole my heart and he stole it fast. He’s just purr-fect. 😉

Snowed in Sardinia

Posted on January 20 by Jennifer Avventura

It’s hard to imagine Sardinia’s slopes, peaks and valleys covered heavily in snow, but it happened. It snowed in Sardinia!

This past week in many parts of Sardinia it snowed so hard that many people were left without heat, electricity or even a way out of their homes. It left its mark in the memories of the locals and those that had to shovel out of it. Most of the island was hit with a blanket or two of the cold white stuff, the worst hit areas are Nuoro, Fonni, and Tonara where it took far too long for help and snow plows to arrive. My thoughts, prayers and wishes for warmth and safety to those affected by the storm.

The above photo whipped by our windows a few days ago leaving a thick white blanket which quickly melted and trickled down to the sea. Such a contrast from the bright blue sky that I’ve come accustomed to in sunny Sardinia.

Did snowmageddon reach you?

New Year Greetings From Sardinia With Love

Posted on January 2 by Jennifer Avventura

Wishing you all a safe, successful, and happy New Year filled with love, joy and peace.

my-sardinian-life-2016-jennifer-avventura

If you have any questions about your trip to Sardinia, don’t hesitate to send me an email. Just click on the contact tab at the top of the page.

See you in Sardinia my friends.

Inside Sardinia: A Distorted Nature’s Poem

Posted on December 13 by Jennifer Avventura

Inside Sardinia: A distorted Nature’s poem …

I grow flat along the red rocky earth
with only the wind to guide me.
My nutrients I steal from the sea
with only the wind to guide me.
I yearn to reach new heights
with only the wind to guide me.
I’ve learned to reach the mountain peak
with the wind holding my hand, beside me.

Snapshots: The Art of Losing Oneself to Sardinia

Posted on December 2 by Jennifer Avventura

The art of getting lost is an easy task if you don’t know where you are going and are not prepared to get lost. I don’t get lost as much as I used to, like that time in Dublin, Copenhagen, Australia or even Brasil. The art of losing oneself in Sardinia is spectacular, mind-boggling and a full frontal attack on all human senses. I often lose myself to the spectacular panorama, the rising sun or the setting full-moon, the endless crashing of waves and even in a plate of traditional gnocchi Sardi topped with aged pecorino cheese and a glass or two of cannonau (Sardinia’s earthy, red wine).

What I don’t do, ever, is get lost in a maze like the photo below.

I prefer to walk on the road often traveled, however, every once in awhile I like stray from the path to adventures unknown with my trusted Sardinian sidekick showing me the way.

Go on and get lost, just be sure to come back and tell me all about it.

Which road would you prefer to walk on?